Barriers are being broken down in order to allow young people to enter the job market and access opportunities.
A youth employment programme, Vulindlel eJozi, was launched by the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) executive mayor, Clr Parks Tau on June 1.
This programme aims to help disengaged youth in the city by 2016.
“As a city, we felt its important to begin Youth Month by clarifying and cementing our commitment made to the youth during the State of the City Address,” said Clr Tau.
“Vulindlel eJozi, which means opening the way in Johannesburg, will be used as a tool to call to action all young people to enable their generation to shape future society.
“More than 800 000 youth are unemployed in Johannesburg and the success of Vulindlel eJozi would be linked to the determination of the youngsters involved,” said Clr Tau.
He said about R150-million has been budgeted for the programme.
The project is a partnership between the CoJ and Harembee Youth Accelerator, which is a private sector initiative.
The programme will look at work placement for the youth and will also tackle other entry barriers, such as work readiness, by providing training.
“Through this programme, young people will also be able to access learnerships and apprenticeship opportunities in order to improve their permanent employment eligibility and to raise their earning potential. This programme is a hand-up and not a handout,” said Ms Tamera Campbell from Harembee.
The programme will include employment in companies of all sizes, as well as in extended public works programmes, national youth service programmes and micro-enterprise development channels such as jozi@work.
Youngsters interested in taking part in the Vulindlel eJozi programme can register online at https://vulindleljozi.mobi from June 16.
